--- title: "Prednisolone: Uses & Side Effects | HealthAnswers" description: "Prednisolone is an oral steroid that suppresses inflammation in asthma, arthritis and autoimmune conditions; long courses need tapering and monitoring." url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/prednisolone/ robots: noindex --- # Prednisolone: Uses & Side Effects | HealthAnswers Treatments Prednisolone is an oral steroid that suppresses inflammation in asthma, arthritis and autoimmune conditions; long courses need tapering and monitoring. Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/) Reviewed 3 July 2026 ## Quick answer What is prednisolone used for? Prednisolone is a steroid medicine that suppresses inflammation, used for asthma flare-ups, arthritis flare-ups, allergic reactions and many autoimmune conditions. Short courses carry fewer risks, while long-term use can cause weight gain, osteoporosis and diabetes. Long courses should never be stopped abruptly and must be tapered under medical guidance. ## Who is this page for? This page is for people in the UK who want a plain-English overview of Prednisolone, including when to seek help and what NHS care usually involves. It explains general information, not what is wrong with you personally. ## Who should skip this page? Skip this page if you need a diagnosis, a prescription, or emergency care. It cannot replace a GP, pharmacist, NHS 111 or 999. If you are in immediate danger, call 999; for urgent advice that is not life-threatening, call 111 in England, Scotland or Wales, or use your GP out-of-hours service in Northern Ireland. On this page 4 sections ## Key facts about prednisolone - Prednisolone is a systemic corticosteroid taken by mouth. - A short burst is commonly used for a few days to settle an asthma flare-up. - It is usually taken with food in the morning. - Long-term use needs bone protection, such as calcium and vitamin D. - It suppresses the adrenal glands, so it must be tapered if used for a prolonged period. ## What prednisolone is used for Prednisolone is used for a wide range of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, including asthma exacerbations, polymyalgia rheumatica, flare-ups of inflammatory bowel disease, severe allergic reactions and other autoimmune conditions. It often acts as a bridge, controlling symptoms quickly while slower-acting treatments have time to take effect. ## Short courses versus long-term treatment with prednisolone A short course of prednisolone generally needs minimal monitoring and carries fewer risks. Long-term treatment is different: your GP will monitor your blood pressure, blood sugar, bone health and eyes, since prolonged use affects all of these. ## Side effects of prednisolone With longer-term use, prednisolone can cause weight gain, a rounder “moon” face and thinning of the skin. Psychiatric effects, such as changes in mood or sleep, can occur with any duration of treatment, so tell your GP if you notice these. ## Stopping prednisolone safely If you have taken prednisolone for more than three weeks, or have had repeated courses, it must be tapered rather than stopped suddenly. If you become unwell with an infection or injury while on long-term prednisolone, follow the “sick day rules” your GP gives you, as your body may need extra steroid cover at these times because of adrenal insufficiency. ## ! Important safety information for prednisolone Prednisolone is prescribed by a GP or specialist, who will give you a steroid card if you need it long-term. Call **999** or go to A&E if symptoms are severe, sudden, or life-threatening, including a severe allergic reaction needing emergency steroid treatment. ## Common questions about prednisolone What are the side effects of a short course of prednisolone? A short course can cause mood changes, disturbed sleep and increased appetite, which usually settle once the course finishes. If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar closely, as prednisolone can raise it temporarily. Why does prednisolone need to be tapered rather than stopped suddenly? Prednisolone suppresses your body's own steroid production, and this suppression can persist after several weeks of treatment. Stopping suddenly risks an adrenal crisis, so longer courses must be reduced gradually under your GP's guidance. Is prednisolone safe to take with an infection? Steroids can mask the normal signs of infection, such as fever, and may allow an infection to worsen without obvious warning. Seek medical advice promptly if you feel unwell while taking prednisolone, so the risk can be balanced properly. How is bone health protected during long-term prednisolone use? Long-term prednisolone increases the risk of osteoporosis, so calcium and vitamin D supplements are usually recommended. A bisphosphonate medicine may also be prescribed for bone protection, following current clinical guidelines. ## Sources - [NHS — Prednisolone](https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/prednisolone) - [NHS — Asthma](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/asthma)